Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from October 3-7 are provided by Pastor Yohan of Radiance Christian Church, San Francisco. Yohan graduated from University of Pennsylvania and Cairn University, where he studied theology. He is married to Mandie, and they have four small children.

Devotional Thought for Today

John 20:3-5

So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. 4 Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in.

Several years ago, when I was working as an engineer, one of my co-workers opened up about his then two-year old son’s hearing difficulties. As he shared about potential treatment options and possible surgery, I could see deep concern coming through his usual jovial demeanor. As the conversation progressed, I felt the Lord telling me to pray for him and his son. We were in the middle of the office floor, and I didn’t want to make a scene, so I am ashamed to admit that I ignored this prompting. Obviously, I don’t know what would have happened if I had just listened, but I could not help but to feel that I had lost an opportunity to at least share a little about Jesus and His goodness.

I bring up this little story from my life because I think there are many times that when we get to the door—just as John did—for one reason or another, we do not go in. When I look back at my relationship with my old co-worker, I had already done the running to get there—meaning, I had already established a relationship with him, and I was genuinely concerned about his family. And when God delivered an opportunity for me to enter, I didn’t. I wish I could say that was the only time I felt like I missed an opportunity. Of course, I am sure that I am not the only one who has felt this way.

When it comes to following God, there will always be reasons to not: It might not be a convenient time, you might look silly, you might get rejected, it might represent a huge cost, etc. But I hope to never again be a person who is standing outside of the door, looking in and longing for what could have been. I hope that like John, I will eventually go in and be used by God to do great things.

Prayer: God, give me boldness to enter into whatever door or opportunity You put before me. Help me to see that the opportunity and potential is always greater than the cost or risk. Allow me the opportunity to be used by You because I was willing to go through the door. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Corinthians 7

Lunch Break Study 

Read Acts 4:23-31: When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, 25 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant,[d]said by the Holy Spirit,

“‘Why did the Gentiles rage,

   and the peoples plot in vain?

26 The kings of the earth set themselves,

   and the rulers were gathered together,

   against the Lord and against his Anointed’

27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. 29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

Questions to Consider

1. What were the circumstances surrounding this passage, and for what did Peter and John ultimately pray for?
2. Why do you think boldness was so important for the early church? Why is it so important for us today?
3. On a scale of one to ten, how bold are you for Christ? Are there ways you can grow in boldness?

Notes

1. After healing a blind man, Peter and John were brought to the Sanhedrin and told not to speak of Jesus again. The disciples ultimately prayed for boldness to continue to share and be used of God to do more miraculous signs (vv. 29-30).
2. Disobedience to the Sanhedrin could have resulted in flogging, excommunication, imprisonment, or death. Peter and John considered boldness important so that they could remain faithful to obey God rather than men.
3. To grow in boldness, we obviously need to pray as Peter and John did, but sometimes we need to intentionally do things that would push us out of our comfort zones. Consider going out to share the gospel today, asking a co-worker for a prayer request, or whatever feels uncomfortable.

Evening Reflection  

The theme for today was boldness. This evening, ask yourself: How has my Christian life been lately? Am I in a rut, or why has it been awhile since I’ve have seen God do something in my life? Maybe it’s because you don’t take bold steps to obey His promptings. Ask God to open your eyes and heart to areas He wants you to move into. Commit to following His promptings, even if it means you’ll have to take risks.